129 killed in Yemen Houthi attack:Rebels target Bab al-Mandab Strait; Yemeni govt sends forces

At least 129 people have been killed in heavy fighting between Houthi rebels and government forces in Yemen. It is one of the deadliest clashes in the country in recent years. The Houthis are trying to strengthen their position near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is considered the gateway to the Red Sea. The fighting began on Thursday. The Houthis launched a ground attack near the coastal areas and also used rockets and drones. During the fighting, they captured several strategic high points along the Red Sea coast. These positions give them a clear view of Mokha port and the surrounding sea route. According to AFP, a Yemeni army official said 66 of its soldiers had been killed. Sources linked to the Houthis claimed that at least 62 rebels had also been killed. One civilian was killed as well. Based on the figures reported by the different sides, more than 120 people have been killed in the fighting. However, these figures have not been independently verified. Why is Bab al-Mandab so important? Bab al-Mandab is a major sea route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and, further ahead, the Indian Ocean. To the north, the Red Sea is linked to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. Large amounts of international trade and energy supplies pass through this route. Therefore, a prolonged conflict or any disruption to shipping here could affect not only Yemen but also other parts of the world. In the latest fighting, the Houthis are also focusing on Mokha port and surrounding areas. Controlling strategic high points could help them put pressure on government forces along the coast and monitor routes leading towards Mokha and Bab al-Mandab. According to military sources, the Houthis have captured several high positions near the Red Sea and around the city of Taiz. Government sends troops to fight Houthi rebels Amid the Houthi advance, the Yemeni government has also sent additional troops to Taiz. According to a Yemeni official, the government sent soldiers from Aden to Taiz at the request of Saudi Arabia. Experts say that if the Houthis strengthen their control over Mokha port or strategic areas around Bab al-Mandab, it could improve their position in any talks with the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia. ​